Question

In beta decay, what is emitted?

an electron

a helium-4 atom

a neutron

a photon

a radionucleus

Answer 1

An electron is emitted in both positive and negative beta decay, although the positive one is called positron emission.

Answer 2

Answer:The correct answer is an electron.

Explanation:

Beta decay : In this process, a neutron is converted into a proton and an electron. In this decay, the atomic number is increased by 1 unit.

General representation of beta decay :

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z+1}^{A}Y+_{-1}^0e$

Where as:

Alpha decay : When a larger nuclei decays into smaller nuclei by releasing alpha particle. In this process, the mass number and atomic number is reduced by 4 and 2 units respectively.

General representation of alpha decay :

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z-2}^{A-4}Y+_2^4\alpha$

Gamma decay : In this process, the unstable nuclei transformed into stable nuclei by releasing gamma rays. In this process, the mass number remains same.

General representation of gamma decay :

$_Z^A\textrm{X}^*\rightarrow _Z^A\textrm{X}+_0^0\gamma$.